Jodhpur Tour

Jodhpur Tour, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.

Mehrangarh Fort
One of Jodhpur’s most popular attractions, the Mehrangarh Fort rises 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur and makes for a spectacular sight. The fort dates back to the 15th century and is home to many beautiful palaces, the most popular being the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors. Head to the top of the fort to take in a splendid bird’s eye view of the city of Jodhpur, sprawled out below. While you’re here, don’t forget to take some fun selfies with the city views in the backdrop. Drop by the museum shop for fun souvenirs and gifts before you leave.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Situated at the base of the Mehrangarh Fort, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park also ranks high in the list of places to visit in Jodhpur. The park was created to restore native plant species in the region. It has a rugged, hilly terrain and boasts of many walking trails, perfect for a long hike. This is also a great place for bird and butterfly watching, and if you’re a daredevil, then there’s an option for ziplining too!

Umaid Bhavan Palace
Synonymous with Jodhpur, the grand Umaid Bhavan Palace is quite a favourite among tourists visiting the city. Home to Maharaja Gaj Singh and his family, half of this palace is now being operated by the Taj Group as a heritage hotel. The other half of the palace is the royal residence and also has a museum boasting of royal portraits, vintage cars and other historic artefacts from the many royal families of Jodhpur. Reasons enough for Umaid Bhavan Palace to be listed among the top places to visit in Jodhpur, without a doubt!

Mandore Gardens
Located a few kilometres out of Jodhpur, Mandore was the capital of Marwar before the city of Jodhpur was founded. Today, the Mandore gardens are home to cenotaphs of previous rulers of Jodhpur. Constructed in deep red sandstone, one of the highlights of the gardens is the Chhatri of Maharaja Dhiraj Ajit Singh, a beautiful amalgamation of Buddhist and Jain architecture. What’s more, there are many temples and temple ruins in the premises of the garden, which are a shutterbug’s delight!

Jaswant Thada
Built as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, Jaswant Thada is a beautiful white structure, complete with opulent domes that offers stunning views of the Mehrangarh Fort. Dating back to the 19th century, the Jaswant Thada boasts of beautiful jaali work and offers visitors a peaceful environment, far from the madness of city life.

Jodhpur - When to Visit
The minimum temperature during summer is 20°C and the maximum temperature is usually between 45°C to 49°C. The temperature during winters is in mid twenties at its highest and 5-6°C at its lowest. Since the summers are too hot, the best time to visit this city is between October and March.

Jodhpur -History in Brief
The city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan in 1459. The city saw many battles mainly because its prosperity and riches which tempted the neighboring states. In 1818, the ruler of the city signed a treaty with the British to ensure the safety of the people and the city.

A tour package to Jodhpur always includes a tour to the Mehrangarh Fort, which was built by Rao Jodha in 1806. In the fort, one can visit the Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Daulat Khana and Sileh Khana. Here you can also check out the second largest cannon in Asia.
Pretty close to this fort is a white marble Cenotaph, built in the 19th century; Jaswant Thada is also worth a visit.

Another tourist attraction that figures in most holiday packages is the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This place was constructed so people could find employment during the famines. It was built in the 20th century and still is in such a great condition that people come from all over to appreciate its beauty. There is a museum in the palace that has rarities, antiques and relics of the past. Here you can check out costumes, tea sets, clocks, timepieces and paintings. The palace has now been turned into a heritage hotel though part of it is still royal residence.

Jodhpur -Excursions
About 8kms from Jodhpur is Mandore, which was the old capital. Here you can visit the old cenotaphs of the Rathore rulers and many other tourist places. There are also sixteen deities carved out of the rock face that are worth a look. You can also visit the famous Osian, which is 65kms northwest of Jodhpur. It has many ancient Jain temples and there is a Sun temple, which is quite famous. While you are on a tour to Osian, you might also want to visit the Mahavira temple and the three Vishnu temples.

If you have the time, do take a tour to Jhalmand, which is an 18th century mansion, great for exploration by safaris. You can also travel to Mahamnadir and Balsamand lake besides Sardar Samand, which used to be a hunting lodge.

The Jodhpur airport is located in the cantonment area. It has flights to Jaipur, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaisalmer. Trains are another way to get to Jodhpur. Since Jodhpur is a major tourist destination, bookings need to be made in time. There is also a special quota for tourists. The railway station is located on the Station Road. Roads are also an easy way of getting to Jodhpur. It can easily be reached from Bikaner and Jaisalmer. You can either take a bus or hire a cab to reach Jodhpur.

Jodhpur -Cuisine
Jodhpur has many restaurants and eating-places, where you can enjoy Indian, Chinese, Continental and Mughlai cuisine. While you are there, do not forget to try Kachouri, which is a great snack eaten with chutney. If you have a sweet tooth, then try laddoos, which simply melt in your mouth. And of course, do not forget a tall glass of buttermilk or 'lassi' as it is commonly called.